What is SPAM and how do you to fight it?

SPAM – Definition

Before we consider the options available to reduce the occurrence of SPAM, it is worth getting to know the ‘enemy’ a little better.

We have not come across an official definition of the abbreviation for the word ‘spam’, but many people believe that the term was popularized by a Monty Python sketch. In one of the shows, the cabaret plays a scene in a restaurant when a customer tries to place an order, but each dish consists of mince and there is no way to avoid eating a meal that does not contain this ingredient. At that time, Soulder Pork and Ham, also known as… SPAM, was quite popular canned food.

Comparing unwanted messages to mince makes some sense. It means that we are constantly encountering something we do not want, and that is literally pushed on us in every possible way. This is also the case with SPAM, developed by malicious people as Stupid Pointless Annoying Messages (i.e. ‘meaningless and annoying messages’).

Characteristics of SPAM

How to tell if you are dealing with SPAM? Most of these types of messages are characterized by:

• lack of personalization – all receivers receive the same message,
• mass nature – it is sent to thousands of receivers at the same time,
• often illegal – receivers’ data is obtained without consent, often the spammer tries to infect the system in order to extort private data such as bank account number and account access password,
• misleading the receiver – ‘advertising’ a luxury product at an indecently low price, bolding the offer while omitting the so-called small print.

What does SPAM look like in practice? A fairly popular method is to send a message to the receiver whose title begins with “RE:”, which would mean that you have already corresponded with this sender, so you will automatically check its content. SPAM messages are quite often characterized by carelessness – typos, and sometimes lack of English characters.

What is the purpose of creating SPAM?

In terms of potential effects on the recipient, unwanted messages can be divided into SPAM:

• marketing,
• hacker – so-called phishing.

SPAM is most often sent for marketing purposes. The purpose of the message is to reach as many recaders as possible. The vast majority of us will find this type of message quite irritating, even attacking and clogging our mailbox.

That is why more and more email programs offer a free filter designed to catch messages considered to be potential ‘junk’. Sometimes, however, regular messages also end up there, so it is worth checking this folder from time to time.

Sending SPAM also has a darker side. Cybercriminals use this form of ‘contact’ to obtain sensitive data. This can be done by infecting the computer by clicking a link or opening an attachment. At this point, a virus is downloaded to your computer, which in the background observes your activity on the network and records important information, such as website addresses or entered passwords, including to your bank accounts. Attempting to steal personal data is phishing – never forget that.

How to deal with SPAM

First, some sad news – there is no way to completely get rid of the problem of unwanted emails. First of all, we do not read the regulations and the so-called small print. Often, the information we provide (email, phone) ends up in a database that their owner can sell. In this way, our data travels around the world, without our knowledge and consent.

However, there are methods and applications that will help reduce the amount of unwanted messages received. Don’t know what to do? Start with this:

• Invest in an antivirus program. Free versions are often unable to protect our computer from dangerous software, paid options are subject to constant updates. In addition, paid versions often allow protection of more than one device as part of the purchased license.
• Choose mailboxes that offer an anti-spam filter. However, it is worth checking this folder from time to time to make sure that an ordinary message has not accidentally ended up there.
• Do not open suspicious-looking messages. If the content contains glaring errors, the email itself looks careless, is impersonal and contains a link or attachment – it is best to ignore or delete the message. Spammers often impersonate courier companies and service providers, sending information about an unpaid invoice or the need to pay customs duties. The address may look credible, but it often contains additional characters that the original provider does not have.
• Before clicking on a link, check the links to which it redirects – just hover over the link with your mouse and check what address will be displayed. Verify that there are no errors in it and that the domain is correct.
• Try not to provide your main email address when registering in online stores and social networking sites. It is worth creating a new address dedicated to these purposes.
• It is not advisable to make your email address public. You can, however, provide the address in a modified form, e.g. by including ‘at’ in the address content instead of the standard @ symbol.
• Read the regulations – all consents are often marked from above, including for data processing and sending advertising materials electronically or to a specified phone number.